GOLF: McIlroy says Augusta burden has gone after Masters triumph

AUGUSTA, Georgia – Rory McIlroy says arriving at Augusta National as the reigning Masters champion has left him feeling more relaxed than ever, with the pressure that once weighed on him finally lifted.

McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam with last year’s thrilling Masters victory, said his mindset has completely changed after years of counting down to the opening tee shot.

"For the past 17 years, I just could not wait for the tournament to start, and this year I wouldn’t care if the tournament never started," McIlroy said with a smile while wearing his Green Jacket. "That’s sort of the difference."

Still Motivated

The Northern Irishman emphasized that winning the Masters has not made him any less driven to compete, but it has changed how he experiences the course.

"It’s completely different. I feel so much more relaxed," he said. "It doesn’t make me any less motivated to go out there and play well and try to win the tournament—just relaxed."

McIlroy’s ease was clear during a wide-ranging press conference ahead of his role hosting the Masters Champions Dinner for the first time on Tuesday evening, where he is responsible for choosing the menu.

"People keep asking me, ‘Why didn’t you go more Irish?’ And I said, ‘Because I want to enjoy the dinner as well,’" he said, drawing laughter from reporters.

The five-time major champion believes Augusta now offers his best chance to add to his major tally, thanks to his experience at the venue.

"I think this one," he said when asked which of the four majors suits him best going forward.

McIlroy added that familiarity with Augusta National sets it apart from other major venues, which rotate each year.

"I just think everything here is a little more predictable," he said. "The more experience you have around this golf course, the better it is."

A New Perspective

The 36-year-old said he hopes he still has “10 good shots” left at winning more Green Jackets. The course’s predictability and his long history there could work in his favor, even as he grows older.

But he also noted that his focus has shifted beyond the goals that once defined him.

"I think the story as it relates to me is: What do I do from now onwards? What motivates me? What gets me going? What do I still want to achieve in the game?"

He added that the career Grand Slam, once his ultimate goal, now feels like part of the journey rather than the destination.

"I’ve realized that if you can just really find enjoyment in the journey, that’s the big thing. Honestly, I felt like the career Grand Slam was my destination. I got there, and then I realized it wasn’t the destination."

McIlroy also said the way people interact with him at Augusta has changed.

"There’s a real positive connotation to it instead of, ‘Geez, Rory, we’ve been waiting a while. When are you going to get this done?’" he said.

For McIlroy, the biggest difference is simple.

"It is so nice to walk around the property or be out on the golf course and just not have that hanging over me."

-Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters